sneaker

noun

sneak·​er ˈsnē-kər How to pronounce sneaker (audio)
Synonyms of sneakernext
1
: one that sneaks
2
: a sports shoe with a pliable rubber sole
sneakered adjective

Examples of sneaker in a Sentence

she's such a sneaker I wouldn't trust her any farther than I could throw her
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, these sneakers are made with a lower profile that gives you more control of your stride. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2026 The shooter, wearing a North Face jacket, black sweatsuit and black sneakers, was last seen fleeing north on Bronxwood Ave. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Chicago, daughter of Khloé's sister Kim, and Dream, daughter of their brother Rob Kardashian, wore adorable matching outfits, including a baby pink top that said ‘Happy Go Lucky’ with a four-leaf clover, denim shorts and matching white sneakers. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 Brady wore black sneakers, while Jack wore white sneakers. Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneaker

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sneaker was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneaker. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sneaker

noun
sneak·​er ˈsnē-kər How to pronounce sneaker (audio)
1
: one that sneaks
2
: a sports shoe (as of canvas) with a rubber sole
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster